Latest news with #GiadaDeLaurentiis
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
PENN Entertainment Sets August 11 as Grand Opening Date for New Hollywood Casino Joliet in Illinois
New land-based casino will be the featured attraction of Rock Run Collection's super-regional destination in Chicagoland WYOMISSING, Pa., May 28, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--PENN Entertainment, Inc. ("PENN" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: PENN) announced today that it expects to open the new land-based Hollywood Casino Joliet to the public on Monday, August 11, pending customary regulatory approvals. PENN's newest casino is scheduled to open nearly six months ahead of the Company's originally scheduled construction timeline. The new state-of-the-art destination entertainment facility will anchor Rock Run Collection, a new super-regional commercial and residential development, conveniently located adjacent to the Interstate 80 and Interstate 55 interchange that estimates to have 230,000 passing vehicles daily. The best-in-class property will feature approximately 1,000 slots and 43 live table games, including a baccarat room, a retail ESPN BET sportsbook, an approximately 10,000 square foot event center with meeting areas, and roughly 1,330 parking spaces. The Company expects to have approximately 600 team members at the new casino, growing PENN's employee roster in Joliet by 200. "The countdown to the opening of our newest casino begins today," said Jay Snowden, Chief Executive Officer and President for PENN. "The move from our existing riverboat significantly improves our offerings in the highly attractive Chicagoland market, and both our existing customers and new guests will be able to enjoy premier gaming, dining, and entertainment at this exceptionally accessible new location." Hollywood Casino Joliet will introduce numerous world class quality dining experiences for guests to enjoy. As previously announced, PENN has partnered with celebrity chef and entrepreneur Giada De Laurentiis to debut her fusion of classic Italian cuisine and modern California influence in the Chicagoland region for the first time. Sorellina by Giada will offer approximately 170 seats for dining and a contemporary bar featuring a comprehensive wine selection with a light, young, and casual aesthetic. PENN has also partnered with McClain Camarota Hospitality ("MCH") to bring prominent Chicago chefs and restaurants to Hollywood Casino Joliet. Through this partnership, the property will feature the Boulevard Food & Drink Hall, a dynamic dining experience that will include Lucky Goat, an all-new burger concept from celebrity chef Stephanie Izard; Antique Taco, the first suburban location for the popular gourmet taco restaurant; Pretty Cool Ice Cream, the Chicago favorite that also has store fronts in Logan Square and Lincoln Park; and Five50 Pizza, a New York-style meets Neapolitan pizza concept offering from the fine dining chefs at MCH. "We're thrilled to partner with these elite restauranteurs to bring amazing dining options to the new Hollywood Casino Joliet," said Todd George, Executive Vice President of Operations for PENN. "These concepts will create a vibrant atmosphere throughout the property and provide our patrons with an array of food and beverage offerings that are unmatched in the market." Additional details related to the grand opening of the new casino will be provided in advance of August 11. The Company expects to work with the Illinois Gaming Board on the transfer of operations from the existing Hollywood Casino Joliet, which is located on the Des Plaines River, to the new landside facility as the opening date nears. In the third quarter, PENN anticipates accessing approximately $130 million in funding from Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc. for this $185 million project. About Hollywood Casino Joliet Opened in 1992 on the shores of the Des Plaines River, Hollywood Casino Joliet, operated by PENN Entertainment, features hundreds of the latest slot machines and table games along with electrifying entertainment and premier dining experiences. A new $185 million land-based Hollywood Casino Joliet is scheduled to open in the summer of 2025 featuring approximately 1,000 slots and 43 live table games, an ESPN BET sportsbook, several new restaurants and bars, event center and meeting space, and ample parking. For more information, visit About PENN Entertainment PENN Entertainment, Inc., together with its subsidiaries ("PENN," or the "Company"), is North America's leading provider of integrated entertainment, sports content, and casino gaming experiences. PENN operates in 28 jurisdictions throughout North America, with a broadly diversified portfolio of casinos, racetracks, and online sports betting and iCasino offerings under well-recognized brands including Hollywood Casino®, L'Auberge®, ESPN BET™, and theScore BET Sportsbook and Casino®. PENN's ability to leverage its partnership with ESPN, the "worldwide leader in sports," and its ownership of theScore™, the top digital sports media brand in Canada, is central to the Company's highly differentiated strategy to expand its footprint and efficiently grow its customer ecosystem. PENN's focus on organic cross-sell opportunities is reinforced by its market-leading retail casinos, sports media assets, and technology, including a proprietary state-of-the-art, fully integrated digital sports and iCasino betting platform, and an in-house iCasino content studio (PENN Game Studios). The Company's portfolio is further bolstered by its industry-leading PENN Play™ customer loyalty program, offering its approximately 32 million members a unique set of rewards and experiences. Forward Looking Statement This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expects," "believes," "estimates," "projects," "intends," "plans," "goal," "seeks," "may," "will," "should," "look forward to," or "anticipates" or the negative or other variations of these or similar words, or by discussions of future events, strategies or risks and uncertainties. These statements are based upon management's current expectations, assumptions and estimates and are not guarantees of timing, future results, or performance. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated in these statements due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors, including those factors described in PENN Entertainment's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including PENN Entertainment's current reports on Form 8-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and, except for PENN Entertainment's ongoing obligations under the U.S. federal securities laws, PENN Entertainment undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. View source version on Contacts Media Contact: Jeff MorrisVP, Public AffairsPENN Entertainment, 610/373-2400 Mike NievesSVP, Finance & TreasurerPENN Entertainment, 610/373-2400 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Marinara Sauce Recalls That Affected Millions
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Easy to prepare, yet delicious and incredibly versatile, marinara sauce consists of tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs like dried oregano, and fresh parsley or basil. For an extra depth of flavor, the sauce is sometimes made with additional ingredients like white wine and diced onions. While marinara is most typically added to pasta, it's also a popular choice for pizza, seafood, meatballs, and lasagna. It may seem like a fuss-free pantry staple, but many things can go wrong with the ready-made supermarket version of the product — and we aren't just talking about kitchen mishaps. Sometimes, the problem begins before the sauce even ends up in the pantry. Marinara sauce products can be recalled due to a range of issues such as undeclared allergens, under-processing, and microbial contamination. Ready to find out about the biggest marinara sauce safety scares in recent history? Take a look at our roundup of some of the most alarming recalls in the U.S. If marinara sauce isn't your thing, check out our stories covering major egg recalls or pork recalls that affected millions. Read more: The Canned Tomatoes Giada De Laurentiis Always Keeps In Her Pantry When jars of tomato sauce begin to exhibit signs of leaking or even bursting, it's time for a plan B. This is exactly what Hudson Harvest faced in mid-2024, when the company recalled its Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce. Jar defects can be an indication of spoilage and harmful bacteria, in this case, raising the concern that the product might have been under-processed. The voluntary recall involved 16-ounce glass jars of Tomato Basil Sauce distributed across New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. Luckily, no adverse health effects had been linked to the product at the time. The FDA classified the Hudson Harvest Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce recall as a Class II incident, which means it could "cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences [...] where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote." While the specific cause of the jar damage wasn't disclosed, the defects may have been related to under-processing. When jars of food aren't processed thoroughly enough to eliminate all pathogens, the bacteria that remain in the sauce can start producing gas, leading the jars to leak or burst under pressure. Mislabeling is one of the most common reasons for food recalls in the U.S. After all, any undeclared allergens or errors in ingredient lists on product packaging can have serious consequences for consumers with food allergies or dietary restrictions. An undeclared allergen is precisely what landed Scratch Pasta in hot water when the company failed to declare that its marinara sauce contained milk. While the label mentioned butter on the ingredient list, specifying that it was made from cream and natural flavor, this wasn't deemed sufficient under FDA guidelines, which require that milk be listed directly on the packaging. The FDA officially classifies milk as one of the nine major food allergens, alongside fish, shellfish, eggs, tree nuts, wheat, peanuts, soybeans, and sesame. Given the severity of the oversight, the agency gave the Scratch Pasta Marinara Sauce recall a Class II rating, indicating that the product posed a moderate health risk. Although Scratch Pasta's Marinara Sauce was only shipped to one customer in Virginia, all in all, the recall still affected 304 cases of sauce, equating to 2,793 pounds of product that had to be pulled from distribution. Founded in 2015, Hungryroot is an innovative company that offers an AI-powered grocery and meal planning service, which provides consumers with personalized grocery selections and customized recipes. When it first started, Hungryroot offered just six food items, increasing to more than 60 items by 2019 and 600 by 2023. One of these products was a marinara sauce with crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, oregano, and black pepper. In 2023, Hungryroot's marinara sauce, as well as its creamy vodka sauce, were both subject to a voluntary recall when it was discovered that they were contaminated with mold. The products also had an elevated yeast level. The recall warranted a Class II classification, highlighting that it could cause "temporary or medically reversible" health effects. While it was never made clear how the marinara sauce ended up with mold and high yeast levels, Hungryroot took immediate action to remove the affected batches from circulation. At the end of the day, the company recalled 81,312 units of Hungryroot Marinara Sauce, amounting to 61,199 pounds of cooking sauce that had to be withdrawn from the market. Founded in 1965 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Kwik Trip is a chain of convenience stores and gas stations. There is little doubt that the chain has been a success, expanding to nearly 900 locations, with the greatest presence in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. In addition to standard grocery store items like snacks and soft drinks, Kwik Trip offers a range of take home meals like macaroni and cheese, chicken penne, and beef Stroganoff. One such on-the-go meal came under scrutiny in 2020 due to potential contamination with metal fragments. The incident involved 15-ounce plastic trays of heat-treated, partially-cooked spaghetti and meatballs in marinara sauce. The product had only been shipped to Kwik Trip locations in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa, where the chain has the biggest footprint. The pieces of metal were brought to Kwik Trip's attention after several customers complained about finding a foreign material embedded in the meatballs. It's uncertain how the metal found its way into the grab-and-go meals, though such contamination usually occurs during processing. At the time, no injuries were tied to the product. Dating back to 1811, when Matazaemon Nakano started producing fermented vinegar in Honda, Japan, Mizkan America was established in the U.S. in the 1970s, and made its mark in the condiment business. Today, the company owns several brands, including Ragú, Bertolli, Angostura, and Holland House. In 2019, Mizkan America drew widespread attention after issuing a recall of several products due to fears over possible contamination with shards of plastic. The affected products included 45- and 66-ounce jars of Ragú Chunky Tomato Garlic & Onion, 66-ounce jars of Ragú Old World Style Traditional, and 66-ounce jars of Ragu Old World Style Meat. It was believed that the affected products had been manufactured over a five-day period between June 4 and 8. The company never disclosed how the plastic fragments may have ended up in the tomato sauce. Nevertheless, a spokesperson for Mizkan America said at the time that the issue was detected during the company's "normal course of operations and quality checks," per Consumer Reports. While no injuries were linked to the sauce, the repercussions for Mizkan America were considerable, with the company pulling 9,130 cases of sauce from the shelves. B&G Foods is an industry giant, known for its wide portfolio of brands, including Crisco, Baker's Joy, and Devonsheer. From shelf-stable foods to frozen goods, the company's diverse offerings can be found in most supermarket aisles. One of the labels under B&G Foods' umbrella is Victoria, a brand that specializes in pasta sauces. In 2019, B&G Foods announced a recall of Victoria Marinara Sauce due to the possible presence of an undeclared ingredient. Just as one would expect, Victoria Marinara Sauce is made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, basil, and olive oil. What is less obvious is that the product may contain cashews — an ingredient that wasn't listed on its label. The company was alerted to the possible problem after a customer who was allergic to cashews reported suffering an allergic reaction to the product. The contamination was traced back to the marinara sauce produced at a single facility over a one day period. Altogether, B&G Foods ended up recalling 1,280 cases of 40-ounce jars of Victoria Marinara Sauce. While one undeclared allergen can lead to a serious health crisis, imagine the risk associated with three different allergens omitted from a single product label. This is precisely what happened in 2018, when Cookwell & Company had to pull its 24-ounce jars of Four J Charred Tomato & Basil Sauce from grocery store shelves. The offending ingredients that may have been present in the sauce included soy, wheat, and fish. All three appear on FDA's "Big 9" list of the most common allergens. It's unclear whether these ingredients were a part of the intended recipe or ended up in the sauce as a result of cross-contamination. While Cookwell & Company's Four J Charred Tomato & Basil Sauce had only been distributed in the state of Texas at the time of the recall, even regional sales can pose significant health risks. When all was said and done, a total of 6,522 units of the sauce were withdrawn from the market. Luckily, no adverse health issues were linked to the product at the time. Nonna Foods is the brainchild of celebrity chef, restaurateur, cookbook author, and television host Lidia Bastianich, who established the venture along with her daughter and son-in-law. The company sells Lidia's cookbooks, cookware, olive oil, as well as sauces. One of these is Lidia's non-GMO Marinara Sauce made with imported Italian plum tomatoes. Lidia's Marinara Sauce was recalled in 2017, after company executives discovered that jars of Lidia's Vodka Sauce were wrongly labeled as Lidia's Marinara Sauce. Lidia's Vodka Sauce contains milk whereas Lidia's Marinara Sauce does not. This posed a problem since milk is a known allergen that can trigger serious — even life-threatening — reactions in individuals who are sensitive to the ingredient. The 25-ounce glass jars of sauce had been shipped to distributors across the U.S. To everyone's relief, no cases of adverse reactions to the marinara sauce were reported. When it comes to meat, poultry, and vegetables, even a slight glitch in processing can have disastrous consequences. This is the reason for the strict federal oversight of these products. It's also one of the reasons why several beef ravioli items — including variants with marinara-style sauce — were pulled off the shelves in 2016. The two suspect Home Maid Ravioli Company products included Ravioli and Spaghetti Italian Style Sauce and Ravioli with Sauce. One-quart and 1-gallon plastic containers of Italian Style Pasta Sauce were also affected by the recall. Whether this was related to the lack of federal inspection or not, the ravioli and sauce products were found to contain whey and pork, both ingredients that were not listed on the packaging. Whey is a known allergen that appears on FDA's list of nine major allergens (as a component of milk), while pork is a huge no-no for certain religious groups and individuals with specific dietary preferences. At the end of the day, Home Maid recalled around 34,200 pounds of the products. No reports of illnesses due to the consumption of the ravioli and sauce were noted at the time. Founded by the late Tullia Barbanti, also known as "The Sauce Lady," Tullia's was a Spokane-based company that specialized in handcrafted pasta sauces made using traditional Italian recipes. In 2014, Tullia's came under public scrutiny after its Italian Meatless Pasta Sauce was flagged due to unsafe acidity levels. The pH was so high that it created conditions conducive to the growth of harmful bacteria, including the pathogen that causes botulism. No adverse health effects were ever officially linked to the consumption of Tullia's Italian Meatless Pasta Sauce, which is extremely fortunate because botulism is no joke. The bacteria responsible for botulism — Clostridium botulinum — produces a neurotoxin that can lead to life-threatening consequences. Once inside the body, this potent neurotoxin can cause symptoms such as dizziness, muscle weakness, double vision, abdominal distension, as well as trouble breathing, speaking, and swallowing. In the worst case scenario, botulism can be fatal. Mazzio's isn't a product brand that bottles its marinara sauce for supermarket sales. Instead, it's known as a pizza buffet chain that incorporates its sauces into menu items. Established in 1979, the first Mazzio's offered a large dining area, thick crust pizzas, sub sandwiches, and a salad bar. Today, Mazzio's operates more than 100 restaurants, a notable decline from the 170 locations reported by Restaurant News in 2012, the same year the chain pulled its marinara sauce over safety concerns. While it's unclear at what point in the production process the mistake happened, that year, Mazzio's recalled 6,352 cases of boxed pouches of marinara sauce due to the presence of an undeclared allergen. More specifically, the sauce contained butter, which, in turn, was made with cow's milk — one of the FDA's top nine allergens. The FDA gave the recall a Class II rating, meaning that the tainted marinara sauce could have serious consequences for people sensitive to milk, though the likelihood of that was considered relatively low. Marinara sauce — or any tomato-based sauce, for that matter — doesn't usually contain cheese. While it's true that many of us like to sprinkle a little Parmesan over our spaghetti, marinara sauce is traditionally considered to be a dairy-free food item. As such, it's not surprising that many consumers wouldn't have expected their Prima Qualita Meatless Spaghetti Sauce to contain cheese — a known allergen that has the potential to trigger allergic reactions in people sensitive to milk. The 2005 recall was announced by Hirzel Canning Company of Toledo, Ohio, which was responsible for packaging the 16-ounce cans of Prima Qualita Meatless Spaghetti Sauce. The sauce had been shipped to grocery stores in the four states of Iowa, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Illinois. Although there were no reports of adverse health effects linked to the product at the time, consuming the mislabeled sauce could have led to illness or discomfort for those with milk allergies. By the time the recall concluded, 26,611 pounds of Prima Qualita Meatless Spaghetti Sauce had been withdrawn from the market. Owned by Albertsons Corporation, Acme's history stretches back more than a century to 1891, when the chain opened its first store in Pennsylvania. Over the years, Acme grew into a major supermarket chain with almost 160 stores, serving communities across the Northeast, especially in the states of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Acme's success story has been built on customer loyalty. However, that trust was put to the test when the company issued a recall of its Spaghetti Traditional Sauce. When we dig into our spaghetti, the last thing we expect is to bite into fragments of plastic or glass. Yet, this is precisely what could have happened had Acme not recalled its pasta sauce in 2005. Sold under the Signature Select label, the tainted product didn't receive much media coverage. Nevertheless, the recall led to the removal of more than 34,000 pounds of pasta sauce from supermarket shelves. While it's unclear where the shards of plastic or glass originated, the product might have been contaminated at various stages of production — whether from equipment malfunction, packaging failure, or human error. For more food and drink goodness, join The Takeout's newsletter. Get taste tests, food & drink news, deals from your favorite chains, recipes, cooking tips, and more! Read the original article on The Takeout.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
I'm swooning over Giada De Laurentiis' sleek table lamp: This Amazon dead-ringer is $71
As a kitchen product obsessive (and former full-time baker), I'm always curious about the cooking gear celebrity chefs like Giada De Laurentiis use when the cameras aren't rolling. The Food Network star and cookbook author hasn't led me astray yet; her cutting board of choice has become a favorite of mine, and we both prefer the same silicone spatula. But recently, her influence has extended beyond the culinary realm, as I found myself swooning over a less expected item in her home: a small gold table lamp. In an Instagram photo of Giada and her daughter, Jade, you can see a side table with the aforementioned lamp perched upon it. I was so enamored of its sleek design that I immediately did some searching and found a lookalike ... for $210 (and that's on sale). But, I'm a deals writer for a reason, and with a little more digging, I struck this Amazon nugget: the Brightech Venus Mushroom Table Lamp, which is a much more palatable $71. I'm not a fan of harsh overhead lights, so I'm all about filling my home with small lamps that give off a cozy glow. That's why, as taken as I was with this lamp's striking shape and mid-century modern aesthetic, I was even more excited when I found out that it's dimmable. I love being able to control a room's brightness — different times of day call for different amounts of light — and all you have to do is tap this lamp to change things up. At 14 inches tall and 10 inches wide, it would look so elegant on a nightstand, desk, side table, mantel or even a kitchen counter. And if smart home gadgets are your thing, you can pair it with Alexa or Google Home Assistant so it'll turn on when you ask it to. Amazon customers give this little light high praise when it comes to its looks and dimming capabilities. "The lamp is absolutely gorgeous," raved one fan. "It is sturdy and great quality; you wouldn't even notice the difference from more expensive brands. It elevates any room with its modern design — can't recommend it enough." "I love the high-end look," echoed another shopper, while a third said it was "so good, we bought a second one." "Great dimmable light," wrote a mostly satisfied buyer. "I thought the material would be closer to metal than plastic, but you really can't tell unless you pick it up. [The] cord is wrapped similarly to a new iPhone charger, so it won't break easily." (Note: The material is, in fact, metal, albeit a lightweight one.) "I only wish it were taller," shared a final reviewer, who called it a "gorgeous mushroom lamp." Giada's penchant for gold applies to flatware too — she's been seen eating with gorgeous gold utensils in many an Instagram Reel, and this affordable set looks just like hers. If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.) The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Need Another Reason to Love Ginger? A New Study Shows It Can Provide a Major Health Benefit
A new study published in medical journal Cureus reveals numerous health benefits ginger can provide, including its ability to lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. The many health benefits of ginger led researchers to conclude that the ingredient is a viable tool for assisting in treatment of cardiovascular disease. Ginger can also aid in digestion, boost immunity, and reduce is a welcome addition to many recipes. It's aromatic, spicy, and carries a hint of earthy, citrusy flavor. But aside from its zesty taste, recent research published in medical journal Cureus discovered that the flowering spice is a natural way to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. The 2025 study analyzed the potential health benefits of ginger in cardiology, with a focus on how it can impact diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Beyond this, the review also investigated the health benefits of gingerol and shogaol, two phytochemicals — naturally occurring chemicals in plants — found in ginger that are responsible for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. According to the report, ginger contains numerous bioactive compounds that decrease inflammation, lower blood pressure, enhance vascular health, and improve lipid profiles. Related: 3 Superfoods You Should Be Using in Italian Dishes, According to Giada De Laurentiis Together the many health benefits of ginger led scientists to conclude that 'due to the biological functions and cardioprotective properties of ginger and its constituents, it may serve as a new therapeutic agent for various CVDs (cardiovascular diseases).' Researchers also confirmed that ginger has few adverse effects, deeming the superfood a worthwhile nutraceutical as it provides health benefits beyond basic nutrition, helping to prevent or manage disease. Ginger has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting characteristics, primarily due to its phenolic compounds, gingerol and shogaol, says Srihari Naidu, MD, a cardiologist and professor of medicine at New York Medical College. Phenolic compounds are a diverse group of natural molecules widely found in plants and known for their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Research shows that gingerol specifically can inhibit inflammation and protect the body from damage caused by free radicals (unstable molecules that destroy cells and DNA). As Mohanakrishnan Sathyamoorthy, MD, the chair of internal medicine at the Burnett School of Medicine at Texas Christian University explains, shogaol is derived from gingerol, and other studies suggest it carries many of the same health perks as this compound, but it's also known to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which are key markers for a stable cardiovascular system. Additional research in the peer-reviewed journal Biomolecules indicates that ginger favorably affects hallmarks of aging at a cellular level. This is likely because ginger is a natural antioxidant, which can help neutralize free radicals that cause premature aging. However, Naidu says more research is needed to determine ginger's exact effects on longevity and aging. 'Ginger has anti-inflammatory effects which help lower inflammation throughout the body, and decreased inflammation of the blood vessels helps improve blood pressure regulation and prevents plaque buildup in your arteries,' says Rohit Vuppuluri, DO, an interventional and vascular cardiologist at Chicago Heart and Vascular Specialists. The ingredient's blood-thinning properties may also help prevent blood clots, ultimately reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Regular ginger consumption can significantly reduce triglyceride and LDL cholesterol (often known as 'bad' cholesterol), while increasing HDL (or 'good') cholesterol, says Sathyamoorthy. This is especially beneficial for heart health as high levels of LDL cholesterol are linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, he explains. Lower triglyceride levels are connected to better health of the inner lining of the blood vessels (endothelium), which is important for overall cardiovascular functioning. Most research on the benefits of ginger involves daily consumption of anywhere from 500 milligrams to two grams, according to Naidu. 'I would recommend staying within the lower dose, or around 500 milligrams a day, as higher doses can cause gastrointestinal side effects — such as abdominal discomfort and gas — and possibly increase bleeding risk, especially for those on blood thinners,' he says. The National Library of Medicine recommends no more than four grams of ginger a day. Some people report heartburn or stomach upset with ginger intake, so those with ulcers should avoid regular consumption in any dose unless cleared by a doctor, says Naidu. When it comes to the type of ginger, Vuppuluri recommends the raw ingredient because it's the most potent, leading to maximum antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Related: These Nordic Berries Are Antioxidant-Rich Superfoods With a Deep-Rooted History Pickled ginger, as seen at Japanese sushi restaurants, is another great, less bitter option. Ginger tea and ginger powder are other accessible ways to incorporate the spice into your routine, though Naidu says more research is needed on the efficacy of both compared to its raw, unprocessed form. However, keeping ginger consumption consistent is the most important factor for those seeking to take advantage of its benefits. Naidu also cautions consumers to be careful with ginger supplements, because they are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. If you prefer a supplement, your doctor can guide you on the best option, but one helpful tip is to seek out a product that has been third-party tested (for example, NSF-, USP-, or GMP-certified). This means an unbiased party has tested the product and confirmed it only contains the ingredients listed on the label and in the amounts stated. Aside from supporting cardiovascular health, ginger is a digestion superstar. Gingerol is found to stimulate the gut and improve gastrointestinal mobility, which means it helps food move efficiently through the digestive tract. Related: A New Study Says When You Eat Is More Important Than When You Sleep Plus, thanks to ginger's ability to increase digestive responsiveness and speed up stomach emptying, it may calm nausea from motion sickness, pregnancy, and chemotherapy, per Naidu. Those same gingerols have antimicrobial and antifungal properties to help fight infection and boost immunity. The anti-inflammatory agents in ginger may also soothe irritated skin, ease menstrual cramps, and reduce joint pain. Read the original article on Food & Wine
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Giada De Laurentiis' go-to olive oil is just $20 and makes a fab Mother's Day gift
Can you name a cooking ingredient more versatile than olive oil? I'll wait ... Aside from salt, it's the one kitchen essential that can be used in just about anything; as a former professional baker, I've even added it to desserts. Of course, not all olive oils are created equal, and if there's one person we trust to recommend a winner, it's Italian cooking queen Giada De Laurentiis, who told Bon Appétit that her favorite pantry staple is Lucini Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Which got me thinking: A bottle of this would make a fabulous Mother's Day gift for a foodie, and it's just $20 at Amazon. You might think that a celebrity chef like De Laurentiis would only use ultra-high-end extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) imported from Italy. Well, think again: Lucini is $20 for a 16.9-ounce bottle. Oh, and it's actually made in Argentina! EVOO isn't your run-of-the-mill olive oil. It's made from the first cold-pressing of the olives — a time-consuming process — so it's unrefined and, to many, tastes better than its non-virgin counterpart. It's the only type that real-deal cooks would ever use for dipping and drizzling — and, in many cases, cooking. Of course, that means EVOO is usually more expensive than other olive oils, but Lucini's price point is reasonable for something so frequently used in the kitchen. De Laurentiis told Bon Appétit that she uses Lucini on "almost everything," including salads and even her morning oatmeal. "There's no such thing as too much olive oil," she says. And since De Laurentiis is Italian, you know she takes her olive oil seriously. Some argue that EVOO shouldn't be used for cooking — only dressing and garnishing — but De Laurentiis proudly cooks with it, as does the (very opinionated) Gordon Ramsay. Even the Culinary Institute of America recommends cooking with EVOO. And then there are all the little-known foods and dishes you can garnish with the stuff. Nope, it's not just pasta and vegetables — you can pour it on ice cream and even drizzle some on a fruit salad. Amazon customers share Gianna's infatuation with Lucini. "I went to Italy six years ago and stayed at a vineyard where they make their own organic olive oil. This Lucini olive oil tastes so much like that in Tuscany; it's the only kind I will use," reported one reviewer. "Fantastic taste, low acidity, perfect for salads and to dip bread," gushed this gourmand. "It is worth every dollar." "It was given as a hostess gift to an Italian cook," said a third. The verdict? "She loved it!" "Lucini makes a great olive oil," raved this discerning shopper. "It has a strong peppery taste, slightly bitter; a good sign it's the real olive oil." That said, they noted, "If you are looking for a mellow olive taste, this is not it." "This olive oil tastes wonderful, and we love to use it for finishing recipes or dipping," wrote a final fan. "It is worth the money ... except when my husband uses it to season his Blackstone grill. Use cheaper stuff for that." Another Food Network star kitchen essential? Ina Garten's beloved Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, which I'm also a fan of. If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.) The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
